The Past Is an Inspiration
(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)
Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 14 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 14 June 2025
| Topic: GS1 – Modern Indian History; GS2 – Polity & Governance |
| Context |
| This editorial revisits India’s rich constitutional legacy and the resilience of democratic institutions. It argues that India’s founding principles — liberty, justice, and equality — drawn from its independence movement, remain vital to addressing contemporary socio-political challenges. |
Historical Legacy as a Guide:
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The Indian Constitution drew heavily from the freedom struggle, emphasizing civil liberties, democratic governance, and inclusive development.
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Visionaries like Nehru, Ambedkar, and Gandhi embedded principles of justice and equality rooted in India’s pluralistic culture.
Contemporary Democratic Challenges:
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Rise in polarization, majoritarianism, and erosion of civil liberties poses threats to constitutional morality.
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Institutions such as the Election Commission, Judiciary, and Parliamentary Committees are under scrutiny for alleged partisanship or institutional weakening.
Role of Citizens and Civil Society:
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Active civic engagement, informed public discourse, and grassroots activism must protect democratic values.
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Examples include mass protests like India Against Corruption (2011) and CAA-NRC demonstrations (2019–20).
Learning from Past to Secure the Future:
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Reaffirming constitutionalism, rule of law, and dignity of the individual is key to social harmony.
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The editorial advocates for reviving Nehruvian democratic ethos and Gandhian moral politics.
Conclusion / Way Forward:
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The editorial emphasizes historical memory as a source of democratic renewal.
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India’s constitutional democracy must be preserved by empowering institutions, respecting dissent, and ensuring legal accountability.
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The onus lies on citizens, judiciary, and political leaders to uphold the constitutional contract between the State and society.
Historical Inspirations vs Contemporary Challenges:
| Foundational Principles | Historical Basis | Current Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Sovereign & Secular Democracy | Nehru’s Vision for Parliamentary Democracy | Polarization and identity-based politics threaten inclusivity |
| Social Justice | Ambedkar’s emphasis on abolition of caste hierarchies | Continued Dalit and tribal marginalization |
| Civil Disobedience & Dissent | Gandhi’s satyagraha movement | Dissent increasingly criminalized under sedition laws |
| Practice Question: How can the values of India’s freedom movement inspire solutions to contemporary governance and democratic challenges? Illustrate with examples. (GS Paper 1 – 10 Marks – 150 Words) |
